Fresh controversy has enveloped Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan after she was criticised by the State’s financial watchdog for failing to mention possible financial irregularities at Templemore Garda College in a formal accounting notification to him.

Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan blocked attempts by the State’s auditor to gain access to minutes of senior management meetings of the force, it can be revealed.

Senior gardaí told the Public Accounts Committee that the controversial redistribution and investment of funds at the Garda College was done with the aim of developing facilities at the Templemore training campus.

The civilian head of human resources in An Garda Siochána, John Barrett, who found himself in conflict with the Garda Commissioner, has stepped down as the force’s representative on the Policing Authority’s Ethics committee.

The financial crisis at the Garda College has deepened after serious concerns emerged over the tax compliance of its accounts and fears over hundreds of cheques given to gardaí for unvouched expenses.

Two civilian members of the gardaí have directly contradicted formal evidence by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, insisting she knew about the Garda college financial scandal a month earlier than previously claimed.

The head of the gardaí’s internal audit unit has said his “direct superiors” tried to block a probe into the Garda college scandal, “withheld” information and tried to “undermine” his position when the inquiry began.

Fresh Garda documents sent to the Public Accounts Committee reveal deep divisions among senior civil servants within An Garda Síochána.

The Public Accounts Committee, examining a series of financial scandals at the Templemore Garda College, are to grill eight civilian members of the force next week — without Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan being present.

Kilfeacle proved too strong for St. Mary’s in the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup while Douglas lost their Martin O’Sullivan Cup crown.

GRIEF-STRICKEN communities yesterday buried two men in their 40s, who were killed in a head-on crash in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, last Monday.

TWO of the country's largest retailers have reported mixed results for the past year.

GALWAY’S bid for All-Ireland SHC glory in 2004 has been boosted by a cash injection of €125,000.